Skills in focus for new State-first committee

Tackling future educational and training needs

TAFE SA’s new Regional Skills Advisory Committee has met on the Limestone Coast for the first time. The new initiative is part of TAFE SA’s ongoing commitment to the region’s education and training needs.

The committee consists of local industry, school, student and community organisation representatives, along with an employment services provider and Aboriginal community representative.

The committee will play a key role in identifying skills needs and working with TAFE SA to ensure training offered in the region is sustainable, viable and relevant to local employers and industry. TAFE SA chief executive David Coltman, who attended the first meeting with TAFE SA Board chair Joanne Denley, said the response to the callout for committee members had been very encouraging.

“We are delighted with the depth of knowledge, skills and experience that these local community members will bring to the committee and assist in identifying local skill needs,” Mr Coltman said.

“The committee members are all very passionate about local education and training, and ensuring we are all focused on developing a skilled local workforce now and into the future.

“The first meeting covered a broad range of areas including activity at the local campus, increasing engagement with industry and promoting training relevant to the Limestone Coast community.

“South Australian regions are diverse and have different needs and aspirations. The Regional Skills Advisory Committee will enable the local community to engage with TAFE SA and have a greater say in the training provided on the Limestone Coast.”

The Regional Skills Advisory Committee will develop and implement a Regional Skills Action Plan and follow-up projects. TAFE SA Manager, Education Partnerships, South-East Ally Skeer (pictured) said that there was significant value in bringing together the representatives from across the local community.

“It is evident that the insights of the committee members will be really valuable, already we have had very fruitful discussions around the types of qualifications being delivered locally,” Ms Skeer said.

“We are determined to strengthen regional engagement with industry and the community. These Regional Skills Advisory Committees will be a regular point of contact for consultation, and I would also encourage local residents to reach out to myself for any local education and training matters.”

This Limestone Coast committee is the first of its kind and will be a model for another seven regional committees soon to be established across the state.

South Australian Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer said the Limestone Coast was hugely important to the South Australian economy – and TAFE SA plays a critical role in ensuring industry has the skilled workers it needs.

“It’s through this Advisory Committee that we can ensure we have the local knowledge of businesses and industry sectors to help shape the future direction of the Limestone Coast,” Mr Boyer said.